‎Oncological Treatments ‎at UPMC‎

At UPMC, we know how difficult it is to deal with a disease like cancer. We have been committed to the fight against cancer for over thirty years.

In Italy, every year there are many who face a cancer diagnosis. However, thanks to research, and the introduction of innovative treatments, more and more people are able to fully recover. Between 2015 and 2020, mortality decreased by about 6% in men and 4.2% in women.

UPMC is also contributing to the ongoing changes in cancer treatment. Our facilities do continuous research, and our patients have access to the most advanced technologies and treatment programs.

For patients diagnosed with cancer, UPMC has a variety of state-of-the-art therapeutic treatments. These include oncology surgery, chemotherapy with the latest generation of drugs, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/SBRT).

Book a Visit

At UPMC, you can get a consultation and undergo cancer treatment at the following facilities:

• IRCCS ISMETT – UPMC.
• UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.
• UPMC Hillman Cancer Center San Pietro FBF.
• UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Villa Maria.

Oncological Treatments

Our doctors use different methodologies for the treatment of tumors. The main therapies we offer are:

• Chemotherapy (or neoblastic therapy): The term indicates any cure that involves the use of chemicals. However, "chemotherapy" refers to a specific therapeutic treatment for cancer. In this case, the administration of anti-cancer drugs (called antineoplastic or antiblastic) seeks to prevent the multiplication of cancer cells and induce their death. At UPMC, we use state-of-the-art drugs that allow us to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): Radiation therapy is a non-invasive, localized and painless therapy. It uses high-energy radiation (called ionizing) to destroy cancer cells. IMRT uses advanced technologies to manipulate the radiation beam and conform it to the shape of the neoplasm. At UPMC, we also use it when the tumor mass is in critical areas, such as the spinal cord or heart.
• Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRS/SBRT): These are two techniques we use in the treatment of tumors with small dimensions. They allow directing of a high dose of radiation on the tumors with millimeter precision. They also allow us to preserve the healthy organs surrounding the tumor mass and reduce side effects.
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): This is the imaging technique that we use during radiation treatments. It allows us to monitor any movements of the tumor due to involuntary movements of the body (breathing, pulsations).
• Oncological surgery: A minimally invasive approach is used in most surgeries performed at UPMC. Our patients have access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative procedures.

Cancer Therapy Services at UPMC

Each of our Centers offers specific services and interventions in the treatment of tumors. In particular, you can undergo chemotherapy treatments at the following locations:

• IRCCS ISMETT – UPMC.
• UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.

For radiotherapy treatment you can contact:

• UPMC Hillman Cancer Center San Pietro FBF.
• UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Villa Maria.

Tumors We Treat

Among the cancer diseases treated daily at UPMC are:

• Timoma.
• Liver tumor.
• Gynaecological tumors.
• Lung cancer.
• Kidney tumor.
• Breast cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer.
• Prostate cancer.
• Thyroid cancer.
• Tumor of the oesophagus.
• Tumors that attack the organs of the head and neck.
• Tumors that attack the central nervous system.

Who Can Use Cancer Treatments at UPMC

Our treatments are aimed at all cancer patients who need them. At UPMC, we believe in the importance of having a synergistic approach to the disease, so a multidisciplinary team of specialists will treat patients.

Specialists in neurosurgery, medical, and surgical oncology, pathological anatomy, health physics, diagnostic radiology, nursing, nutrition, and psychology will work in close collaboration. Thanks to continuous cooperation, they provide patients with the support they need.